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elysiandances · 1 year

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𝒇𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌𝒔 . . .

a riff x graziella short written by @elysiandances

character count: 9.4k+ (1.7k+ words)

summary: riff and graziella have a moment away from the boys per graziella’s request.

warm nights during the weekdays were the perfect time for the jets to take part in what they called their ‘jet-tivities’.. (well, not all of them called it that, but the younger members seemed to find it hilarious) each of the boys would bring their girls and they’d head out to one of the large piles of rubble knocked down in the slums, seeking refuge under metal rods holding up fallen rock which, wasn’t the most stable environment, but it was a place to mess around other than docs.. usually, at the front of the clump, would be riff and his first lady leading the group towards the pile they’d meticulously picked out earlier that day, but tonight, no tonight was different. they’d been the last ones to leave the doors at docs, falling roughly ten feet behind the huddle of teens, lost in their own little world as they chatted. riff had his arm around graziella’s waist, hand gently caressing bare skin where her shirt and shorts didn’t quiet meet..

“an’ so moly decides that it’s a great idea to take mouth’s hat, an’ you know how that boy is about his-“ riff was caught off guard by a tug downwards, a kiss being placed onto his lips, but there was no protest, only a little hum and quirked brow in confusion.. “what was that for?” he asked when she pulled away, seeing the smile crawling onto her expression and only causing his suspicion to grow..

“we’re almost there, don’t you think ice ‘n karen can lead them there an’ you ‘n me can catch up later?” graziella asked, slowing their walking pace down.. riff watched as they grew a bit farther from the group and he picked the pace back up, trying to makeup for the time him and graziella had lost through their little moment..

“for what?” riff asked simply, his gaze not leaving the blonde attached to his side once they’d caught up a bit more with the group.. “what’re you plannin’, graz, huh? cant be nothin’ good,” he teased, his own smile curling mischievously as graziella playfully swatted his chest.. “what? ‘m tellin’ the truth! usually your little ‘lets sneak away’ ideas ain’t exactly good. yer settin’ a bad example,” riff huffed, but he was following as she slowly strayed them away, meeting eyes with mouthpiece, who gasped and scampered to the front of the clump with velma’s arm hooked in his to, what she assumed, tell ice.

as they were walking from the group, they could hear a burst of laughter come from who riff believed to be action, then a few of the other boys joined, and he heard the faint mumble of a quick, “stay outta it, mouth, you don’t wanna know,” from ice.. graziella laughed quietly as her suspicions were proved correct.

they didn’t go too far from the group, far enough to where they promised they’d be alone, but close enough in case riff had to get back to them quickly.. when the pair arrived to the little blocked off area, graziella led riff into an apartment building, one that was mostly rock and dust, but they could go inside of it and have decent coverage from the other boys if they began to pry.. “i need ten minutes before you go back to the boys,” graziella huffed, brows furrowing on her forehead as riff tugged her closer, kissing right above each of them..

“i’ll give you five,” the brunette challenged, kissing the bridge of her nose and grinning.. he was surprised to hear a quick ‘five works,’ from the blonde before she grabbed the front of his belt loop and then the back of his neck, tugging him into a kiss… lovingly, he let a hand caress her cheek and laughed quietly, “i love you,” he whispered fondly as he tugged away, looking down at the blonde.

“i love you too, baby,” graziella said back, her arms looping his neck and her hands then burying into his hair.. it was soft and smelled of her shampoo.. he may or may not have stayed with graziella last night and bathed with her soaps.. it drove her wild too, she loved it. she never told him how much she loved it, but he knew. he knew from how when she held him close that night and buried her face in his chest, gently kissing the center of it that she loved it. she hated how early he got out of bed to tend to the jets, it was always right after sunrise.. riff and ice would meet up to discuss with war council about any upcoming things that they needed to look out for, leaving graziella in an empty bed with only the warmth his body left to comfort her.

“is this all you wanted me here for? just wanted to kiss?” riff queried, quirking a brow and leaning in to press a few kisses to graziella’s chin, then one on her jaw.. “i’m takin’ that as a yes?”

“it’s part of the reason.. we’ve been with the boys all day, i haven’t gotten to pull you away yet. i kinda just.. wanted a hug,” she explained, the hand on the back of his head falling to his cheek… riff retreated from his little kisses and they made eye contact, worry seeming to immediately cloud his vision,

“i can do that… are you alright?” he asked, gently tugging her into his chest where she nestled in close, arms around his neck falling to wrap his torso so she could get closer. “graz?” riff whispered after he got no reply, kissing her hair in an attempt to soothe.

“i’m fine, just—“ she stopped, squeezing him tighter as she felt riff’s hand begin to glide through her curls.. “i’m okay, just wanted some love, that’s all,” she muttered, the hand in her hair halting for a few seconds before continuing its comforting motions..

“are you sure, baby? is somethin’ wrong?” he wasn’t getting good vibes from this… he knew something was going on, but wether or not graziella would tell him was an entirely different game. she was one to keep her feelings hidden, and riff knew that, and he knew it wasn’t likely for her to crack; he was the same way with his emotions, holding them behind a wall, but sometimes they let their walls down with each other, and he was hoping this was one of those times… “just you an’ me, ain’t gotta worry,” he added for a bit more reassurance..

it took a little bit of time; clearly, graziella needed the hug she was receiving and riff was happy to provide, one hand carding through her curls and the other holding her waist— but she eventually spoke, head still buried hidden away in his shirt, “sometimes, i just want time with you,” the blonde put it as simply as she could, tugging back from the hug just enough to look up at him. grazi was immediately met with his gaze, though it was dark, the only lighting being the moon shining through the cracks of the broken down building, she could see his expression soften into one she loved to see… his expression shaped into love, watching as he moved forward to kiss her head whispering sweet words against her skin,

“we’ll have a day tomorrow, mkay? you can get your new pretty dress on and get all dolled up.. we can get dinner, maybe dance a little?” riff suggested, finishing the proposal with another kiss to her forehead, “you could pick out my outfit.. help me do my hair.. afterwards we can go back to your apartment?” the last question was met with a grin from either side, both starting to laugh after a moment of silence hanging in the air from the question..

“yer an idiot, y’know that? goof,” their laughs carried on for a while, whispering little comments back and forth that only prolonged the laughter, but finally, there was a silence, one that loomed. it wasn’t sour, it was good. it was comfortable.. they made eye contact and held it, riff never ceased to give graziella butterflies, and this was one of those moments, her stomach felt fluttery.. she began to scan his features, happy the moon allowed her to still make out his face, but it didn’t matter if she couldn’t. she’d know his face regardless. she’d know the sound of his voice anywhere.. she’d know the crease in his brow when it furrowed, how his lips turned upwards into a smile— and how his eyes squinted during said smile. graziella had riff memorized, his face, his voice, and body.

graziella’s thoughts were cut short when she felt his lips capture hers, letting out a little hum before relaxing into the action. the blonde was forced to raise up on her toes, tipping her head as she placed her hands against his chest, grabbing at the opening of his jacket in her fist and tugging him downwards.. he didn’t fight it, bending down to meet her height and laughing quietly, both hands now on her waist and squeezing gently. the affectionate caressing was meant to soothe her, to comfort her; he wasn’t going anywhere— even if there had been close calls before.

they stayed this way for a while, eventually, his hands met the backs of her legs and he picked her up, graziella’s legs wrapping around his waist and her arms wrapping his neck. riffs kisses trailed down her jaw, then stopped at her ear, “i love you,” he mumbled, kissing her ear a few more times.

“i love you too,” the blonde whispered back, moving him away from her ear to peck his lips once, then she loosened her legs from riffs waist and he set her down. graziella began smoothing out her top and riff flattened his hair, then took the back of his hand and rubbed it across his lips in attempt to remove the stain of lipstick she’d left behind.. “ready?” she asked, looking up at the brunette who was shrugging off his jacket, shaking it slightly before he looked at her with a lopsided grin, laying the leather over her shoulders and kissing her forehead.

“ready.”

#west side story 2021 #wss 2021 #wss #riff x graziella #mike faist as riff #riff west side story #riff #paloma garcia lee as graziella #graziella wss #graziella #riff x grazi #grazi

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jilllovesmike · 1 year

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#mike faist #west side story 2021 #riff west side story #riff #riff x graziella

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this-hattan-newsie · 2 years

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Change my mind, oh no, you can't because it's true

#wss #west side story 2021 #west side story #jets west side story #sharks west side story #riff x graziella #anita x bernardo

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darklingswhore · 2 years

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I just wanted to thank my friend @riffheartsgraziella for being such a positive force in this fandom. She's just vibing and creating the content she wants to see.

#riff west side story #west side story #west side story 2021 #riff x graziella

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riff-and-graziella-forever · 2 years

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My West Side Story: Riff and Graziella's Pregnancy Story

#riff x graziella hc #riff x graziella #west side story 2021 #riff x graziella's pregnancy

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frogsareallgay · 2 months

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ok but who’s gonna dance with me like grazi and riff danced in the gym dance scene

#i wish i had that talent #west side story #riff x grazi #riff lorton #graziella

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a-way-of-forgiving · 2 years

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sorry baes it’s angst hours. this is an older edit of mine but i thought i’d post it. it’s pretty self explanatory. the west side story girls deserved so much better. the overlay is not mine, it is by @myoverlayzz on tiktok !

#west side story 2021 #wss #wss edit #graziella west side story #riff west side story #tony west side story #maria west side story #anita west side story #bernardo west side story #anita x bernardo #riff x graziella #tony x maria

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riffheartsgraziella · 2 years

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Paloma coming through once more with the BTS photos 🖤

#riff x graziella #mike faist #paloma garcia-lee #west side story #west side story 2021 #behind the scenes

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scottyzoomz · 23 days

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WEST SIDE STORY ROLEPLAY SIGN UPS

So, my friends has a blog called @ask-tony-wyzek and @ask-riff-lorton. Those are the only west side story character blogs (from what i have seen), and yknow, it's getting kind of boring.. so if you wanna be a west story character this is your chance !! This is just for being fun and being silly, the rumble hasnt happened yet and it's just an au where the Jets and the Sharks are just still arguing on whose turf it is. No killing has happened, Tony, Riff and Bernardo is still alive, . And OC's ARE ALLOWED !!! Fanon ships are allowed, Oc x character is allowed too !! just PLEASE dont make it weird/illegal. be logical, a 1-2 year age gap is fine but dont make it illegal. so far we have RiffxTony (im sorry for those who i have offended do not harass me just for a silly fanon ship if you don't like it, kindly scroll this doesnt hurt anybody.) AND THOSE WHO KNOWS ANY ACCOUNTS LIKE THIS OF THE WEST SIDE STORY CHARACTERS PLEASE TELL ME I WOULD LOVE TO INTERACT WITH THEM !!! Jets ( those who are taken have a blog ) Riff - @ask-riff-lorton Tony - @ask-tony-wyzek Ice - Snowboy - Baby John - @ask-baby-john Action - A-rab - Tiger - Joyboy - Big Deal - Mouthpiece - @ask-mouth-piece Gee-Tar - Anybodys - Diesel - @ask-deisel Numbers - Balkan - @ask-balkan Little Molly - ----------- The Girls in the Jets Graziella - @ask-graziella Velma - @ask-velma Clarice - Minnie - Debby - Hotsie - Pauline - Luna - ====================== ( these are all that i found on the Sharks wiki so these not might be accurate, feel free to put your headcanons on these characters ) Sharks (note: who nicknames their friend anxious what???) Bernardo - @ask-bernardo Chino - Pepe - Indio - Luis - Anxious - Nibbles - Juano - Toro - Moose - Quique - Chago - Braulio - Pipo - Julito - -------------- The girls in the Sharks Maria - Anita - @ask--anita Rosalita - Consuelo - Teresita - Francisca - Estella - Marguerita - AGAIN. THIS IS FOR FUN!!! YOU CAN JOIN AS AN OC !! If you have more questions please feel free to go to my ' Ask Me Anything ' or in my dms. !!! Feel free to reblog:)

#west side story #roleplay sign ups #west side story 2021 #ROLEPLAY !!!!#wss #wss:roleplay

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elysiandances · 1 year

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𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒆𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔…

a riff x graziella short written by @elysiandances !

character count: 4.8k (800+ words)

summary: graziella wants to get out of bed and make breakfast, but riff isn’t too keen on the idea.

prompt: “no, i’m not letting you go, it’s too early to get out of bed”

it was early, too early for tired blue eyes to be fluttering open due to being startled by movement at his side.. slowly, riffs grip tightened around the moving body at his side, giving a quiet little whine.. graziella, who had been trying to slowly get up and make breakfast unnoticed, gave a soft smile and rolled her eyes, head turning to look towards the brunette who was now nestling his face into her shoulder and leaving little chaste kisses against her skin.. “good mornin’,” the blonde said softly, a smile staying etched into her expression..

riff gave a little huff against the skin on her shoulder, eyes opening once more as he looked up at the other who was propped on her elbow from where he’d tugged her down.. “what time ‘s it?” he muttered, gently tugging again to try and get graziella to lay completely down against the soft mattress of her bed.. it worked, the petite woman settling back into his arms, turning to gently leave a playful bump with her forehead against his chin..

“time to get up,” she mused, hearing him emit a groan, which caused her to roll her eyes once more.. “don’t give me that, it’s past seven, riff. don’cha got work? i know i do,” graziella added to his little attitude, one of her hands slowly finding its way to bury into the dark curls upon the jet leaders head, red painted nails softly scratching against his scalp, which riff happily leaned into..

“work can wait, ‘s too early,” he whispered, the new position of his head now being tipped up warranting a soft kiss to the space below his chin.. “what’re ya doin’ anyway? why’re you tryin’ ta sneak off?” he asked, eyes slowly opening half-lidded, looking down at her. riff couldn’t help but smile at her smile, their eyes meeting and holding each others gaze for a few moments before graziella spoke;

“i was goin’ to make us breakfast.. i went to tha store yesta-day and got stuff ta make pancakes,” she explained, the hand in his hair coming down to gently caress his cheek, thumb rubbing over a scar below his eye.. “you ain’t been over in a while, wanted to treat ya,”

riff softened, tipping his head down and connecting their lips into a soft, loving kiss.. “you ain’t gotta do all that, graz,” he said as his hand gently grabbed at her hip, rough hands a large contrast against the soft silk that framed her figure.. “jus’ been so busy with tha boys, y’know how it is,'' there was a soft apologetic tone behind riffs voice, but he didn’t outright apologize, yet graziella understood the tone well enough to pick up on the fact he was trying to give an unspoken apology.

“i know i don’t, but i wanna.. you’se always liked when i made ya pancakes,, was thinkin’ we could eat together on the couch.. ‘s gettin’ pretty cold.. too cold to be by myself…” she mumbled the last bit out, finger gently tracing down the scar a few more times before she leaned up to kiss it, planting three kisses against the soft indentation in his skin.

“hmm.. temptin’, but,, it’s too early!” playfully, riff rolled them over so he laid atop of graziella, causing her to let out an alarmed squeal and use her hands to push at his shoulders, letting out protests of the new position,

“get off me ya goof, yer squashin’ me!!” she exclaimed, pushing and wriggling, trying to free herself from his weight.. “riff! get off! i want ta make breakfast!” she cried again, hands finding his hair and pulling, causing him to roll off of her to the side.. graziella used this chance to sit up and scoot to the edge of the bed, but she was stopped by strong hands grabbing her waist, yanking her back as they both exploded into laughter, her back landing on his stomach and her head falling over his side and her eyes falling closed.. “you are impossible— let me loose!”

“no, i’m not lettin’ ya go, it’s too early to get outta bed,,” he huffed in response, looking up at her from his place against the pillows and offering a smile, one that was lopsided and goofy… they hummed a few gentle words back and forth finishing off with gentle kisses.. it was mornings like these that both riff and graziella cherished the most. mornings where the couple could just be themselves and not worry about the outside world… no gangs and sharks or rumbles.. just them.

graziella finally complied, shaking her head in admiration before she shifted and snuggled into his side, head laying upon his chest and her arm going around riffs torso, resting against his ribs and drawing little shapes into them.. “i love you,” she spoke softly after a moment of silence, her eyes closing as she felt riffs hand creep from the small of her back up to the back of her head, fingers tangling into the blonde curls..

“i love you too, girly girl..” riff said back, relaxing into the pillows beneath his head and leaning down to kiss the top of graziella’s head, which caused her to hum.. “now,, let’s sleep for about… three more hours..”

#west side story 2021 #wss 2021 #wss #riff x grazi #riff #riff wss #graziella #riff west side story #mike faist #mike faist as riff #graziella wss #paloma garcia lee #paloma garcia lee as graziella #riff x graziella

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sl-newsie · 8 months

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Give It A Chance (Baby John x Velma's Little Sister)

‘So basically Baby John still hasn’t got a date to the dance at the gym, so Mouthpiece has an idea to set them up, but the thing is she’s a tomboy and has never been to a dance she doesn’t want to go, but after much convincing she decides she can at least meet her blind date beforehand. Much to her surprise he’s got a nail in his ear. She offers to help, they bond and end up having a wonderful time at the dance together.’ Huzzah! Coming right up!

Jacqueline’s POV

“Come on, Jackie! It’ll be fun!” My sister chats from the other room.

I roll my eyes. “No!”

“Social mixers aren’t life sentences, sis! Just give it a chance-”

“I am not going to a boring, meaningless dance where I will be forced to act nice to people I hate and just stand in the corner like a tossed-aside wallflower! Besides, I've already planned on fishing over in Brooklyn later. Spot’s gonna miss me!”

Fishing with Spot and the other Brooklynites sounds lots more fun than any dumb social event!

Velma storms into my bedroom and backs me against the wall. “Jacqueline Anderson, you will be going to this dance if it’s the last thing I do! You cannot just play around with boys and never go on a date!”

I gawk at her remark and sneer. “Why not? Is it hurting your image?”

“That makes you a tomboy, and I am not having any of that! It’s time for you to grow up and be a lady! What would mother say?”

“You tell me!” I fume. “You knew her better than me before she up and left us! While you’re off gallivanting with your drama queens, I’m actually trying to help dad out by doing odd and end jobs. You want me to be a lady? I’ll be my own ‘lady’ by learning how to support myself without suffering through pointless social dances!”

Velma’s reddening face shows I’m winning, but before she can yell at me again another voice rings out from the front door:

“Velma! Velma! Come quick!”

Graziella, Velma’s best friend, bursts in with a wild look on her face.

“What’s the news, Grazzi?” Velma asks.

“It’s Riff! He and the Jets were fighting the Sharks again! I hear they got roughed up pretty good! Baby John even got-!” She notices me and smirks at my confused frown. “Ooh, I forgot! You haven’t met them, have you? Don’t worry, you will at the dance tonight!”

I huff. “In case my sister hasn’t told you yet, I’m not going! So thanks, but no thanks.”

Mouthpiece’s POV

“Don’t sweat it, Johnny. It doesn’t look that bad…” I peer down at the bloody nail stabbed in the young Jet’s ear. It looks bad.

Baby John groans. “Face it, I’m just the runt of the pack. You guys are better off without me tonight. Just leave, Mouthpiece- go get ready for the dance.”

“What ‘bout you?”

He shakes his head. “Nah, I ain’t go’n. Besides, I don't even got a date. I ain’t good with the goils like you all are.” He offers a weak smile. “My ma raised me too soft, I guess.”

“Hey, fellas!” Grazi jogs up and looks between me and Baby John. “Ready for tonight?”

“Apparently Baby John ain’t go’n,” I say matter-o-factly as the Jet in question walks away to go slump on a bench and stare at passing cars.

“Huh. That’s 2 rejections I’ve heard today.”

“Who was the foist?”

“Velma’s sister.” Grazi chuckles. “She’s never gone to a dance and never wants to. She's more of the ‘tomboy’ type, if ya catch my drift.”

“Really…?” I put a hand to my chin and look over at where Baby John’s sitting with a smirk creeping onto my face. “That gives me a crazy idea that just might work…”

Jacqueline’s POV

Ah, dad’s workshop. The only place in this bizarre city I can be myself! I’m currently trying to get a chores list done of fixing a few household items before my fishing trip with Spot.

“Oh, Jackie!” Grazi calls in a singsong voice when she and Velma strut in. “I have returned with wonderful news! You’re still against the dance, right?”

“Still not going,” I say flatly, not even looking up from the clock I’m repairing.

“Oh really? What if I told you that I just set you up on a blind date with a Jet?”

I nearly drop the clock. “What? You’ve got to be kidding!”

Velma and Grazi giggle at my befuddled look.

“I kid you not! Mouthpiece and I worked it all out- you each need a date, so you go with each other. It’s perfect! You’ll love Baby John, he’s super cute.”

“Those Jets are nothing but trouble! Dad never wanted Velma to get involved with them, and here she is now caught up in all this gang violence. I ain’t getting sucked into that too!”

Velma ignores my repent and puts a hand on my shoulder. “Just give him a chance, please? He’s really nice, honest! Do it for mom?”

Really? She’s guilt-tripping me into this, going out with a random boy I’ve never met? But I still can’t ignore the stabbing remorse leaking out of my heart. Mom would have wanted me to at least try. And no one ever said I had to like it. I’ll just show up for 10 minutes and leave when no one notices.

I eventually let out a sigh in defeat. “If I do this, will you stop pestering me about going to social events?”

“If you do this, I’ll never make you go to another social event ever again.” Velma holds her hand up in a scout’s honor.

I close my eyes and, before I can second-guess this once-in-a-lifetime offer, I give a stiff nod.

“Yay!” My sister does a victory dance and takes my hands to twirl me around the workshop. “Your foist dance! I’m so happy!”

I rip my hands away and kick a can across the room. Guess I’ll have to tell Spot I’m canceling. “Yeah yeah, whatever. So what do I do now?”

Grazi looks judgingly up and down at my rugged, stained overalls. “Foist off, you’re gonna need a dress.”

Great. I’m going to love this.

In half an hour I feel like one-a those plastic mannequins in a fancy department store. When Grazi holds up a mirror I don’t exist. Instead, I see the face of a fragile goil with rosy cheeks, red lips, highlighted eyes, and brunette curls up in a too-perky ponytail. The dress Velma is lending me is a deep blue, despite my request to wear her blood-red one.

“It lets people know you’re with the Jets, Jackie. You don’t wanna be confused for a Shark goil.”

Why does that matter? But I don’t push it. Just dress up all goily-goily for one night and this’ll all be over.

“But why the shoes?” I groan when I try to stand on the painful heels.

“It helps with posture, so you don’t slouch,” Velma answers quickly before she starts yanking me out the door. “Now come on, we’ve gotta meet up with the boys! Grazi’s already headed off with Riff!”

Baby John’s POV

“Think fast, Johnny!” Mouthpiece calls.

I whip my head up just in time to catch a bottle, one that smells… funny.

“What’s this?”

“Cologne. You know, for your date.”

I almost drop the bottle when my brain processes his casual sentence. “D- Date? Whaddya talk’n ‘bout? I told ya I don’t got a date.”

The blonde Jet smiles and puts an arm over my shoulder. “You do now, Johnny! Grazi and I set up a blind date for you and Velma’s little sis.”

Blood drains from my face and my throat suddenly feels dry as a desert.

“Mouthpiece… I- Why would you do that?” I start panicking. “She probably expects some cool, suave guy that’ll make her swoon. I can’t even dance! I’m- I’m gonna die of embarrassment!”

The older Jet presses me against the wall and tries to calm me down. “She ain’t like that, Baby John. Trust me, you’ll like her. And if it’s any comfort she’s just as reluctant to go to the dance as you are.”

I nod and swallow. “W- What’s her name?”

“Jacqueline.”

“Jacqueline…” The name rolls off my tongue like a drink of fresh water. I haven’t even met her and I’m already anxious about this! “When do I meet her?”

“Oh, about-”

“Mouthpiece! We’re here!” We hear Velma yell close by.

“Right now!” Mouthpiece steers me to the alley and pats my back. “Go get ‘em, tiger!”

“But my ear-!” But Mouthpiece disappears before I can get any help, leaving me to hastily cover my bleeding ear with my hand. Great, now I’ll drive her away with a bloody ear!

In all the rushed mix of confusion and fear, I swallow my nerves and turn to look and find-

Oh my God.

Jacqueline’s POV

“Do I really have to do this? I mean… he probably won’t even like me. Why torture us both?”

Velma waves it off as we make our way to the Jet junkyard. “Oh, please. He’s gonna love you, sis.” We get to a dark alley and she yells: “Mouthpiece! We’re here!”

Guess there’s no going back now.

I take a deep, shaky breath and lift my head up just in time to see- Oh my God.

The most adorable face I’ve ever seen step into the alley. Wait- can goils use that term? But he is! And when this mystery boy walks up closer with an awestruck look on his face I’m proven even further. Brown eyes, cute nose, dark hair, and a tan skin that makes me suspect Italian heritage. He don’t say anything, just keeps staring at me. Did I do something wrong?

I try to break the ice and wave. “Hey, handsome.”

The boy does a double-take to see if he heard me, then looks behind him at the empty alley and points to himself.

“Me?” He squeaks.

I roll my eyes. “No, the wall. Yes you, stupid!”

“Jackie, play nice,” Velma warns. “I’ll leave you kids to get acquainted. Meet you later at the dance!”

And just like that I’m left to fend for myself. But I gotta say, this guy seems a lot less egotistical than I pictured the average Jet. Only known him for 2 minutes and he’s never smirked at me once! But why does he keep rubbing his ear?

Not wanting to make things even more awkward, I step forward and extend a hand. “Jacqueline Anderson. Call me Jackie. You?”

The boy seems taken back by my casual way of speech and shakes my hand. “Baby John.”

“Neat gang name. What’s the real one?” I ask bluntly.

His eyes widen. “Oh, um- just Johnathon. So… you’ve never been to a dance either?”

“Nope. I’s always too busy helping my dad in the shop. I’m doing this to get Velma off my back, that way I can do what I actually like doing.”

“Which is?”

I bite my lip and cross my arms. “You’d probably think it’s stupid. I say let’s just get this dance over with, so let’s go.” Before Baby John can ask further I grab his hand and start drag him towards the street leading to the school gym, but then I notice his hand is covered with- blood?!

“Dear Lord, what did you do to your hand?”

Baby John gets a look on his face and hastily rubs his bloody hand on his shirt. “Oh, sorry. I forgot, um… I got a nail in my ear.”

“What?!” I quickly grab johnny’s shoit and bring him closer get a look at his ear. Sure enough, there’s a rusty nail lodged in his earlobe. “Ouch. That’s gotta hurt.”

He sighs. “I know, it’s gross. I- I understand if you wanna go without me.”

Is he serious?

“No way! I’m not too keen on this dance, but I ain’t just gonna leave you here with your ear look’n like that! Now sit down and shut up.” I search through my purse and pull out a handkerchief. “Here. Once I pull it out hold this on your ear and put pressure on it.” He takes it, then gets wide eyes when I pull out a small bottle of rubbing alcohol.

“What the…? Do you got a tiny murder kit in your purse or someth’n?”

“Haha. No, my dad just taught me to always be prepared. Velma carries lipstick, I carry bandages. Ready?”

Baby John takes a deep breath and holds up the handkerchief. “Ready.”

With steady hands I carefully inch the nail out, and I must say I’m impressed by Baby John’s pain tolerance. He tenses up and squirms a little, and I start to feel bad when he lets a discomfort groan slip out.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry. Just a bit longer- there!” I quickly remove the nail and hold John’s hand against it. “Pressure!” Now I take out anodda handkerchief and soak it in alcohol. “This is gonna sting like Hell.”

I press it to his ear and John immediately cries out. “Dammit!”

“I told you! Now just a sec-” I cup Baby John’s face with one hand and wrap up his ear with the other. “There. It’ll hurt for a while, but at least it’s disinfected. Sorry, I know it’s really humiliating for a boy to get treated by a goil in public.”

But on the contrary, Johnny actually looks grateful.

“Thanks, Jackie! It feels much better. So… you still wanna go to the dance?”

I shrug. “Yeah, why not? Mine as well since I’s already gussied up in this stupid dress anyway. Unless you’d rather back out now?”

Baby John immediately shakes his head and seems a bit geeked. “No, no! I’m- I’m actually excited. I’s never been to a dance before, so forgive me for be’n a bit of a softie.”

I chuckle at his innocence and give him a playful nudge. “Yeah, but you’re a cute softie. C’mon!” I grab his hand and we start walking to the gym.

Baby John’s POV

Oh my God. Oh. My. God! I think I’m on a blind date with an angel! And she’s holding my hand!

Jacqueline, Jacqueline, Jacqueline… Jackie. She’s beautiful, but not in a traditional way… It’s hard to explain, but I feel as if I don’t have to worry about offending her or pretend to be cool. And she didn’t freak out about my ear!

When we get to the gym it’s super noisy and we have to squeeze through the hallway, making me press against her back and my pulse double.

“Sorry.”

She gives me a funny look. “For what?”

“Bumping up against you?”

She huffs. “Johnny, that ain’t something to be worried about with me. I’ll sooner arm wrestle someone rather than make a hissy fit about getting my toes stepped on. Just relax, ok?”

Is this goil even real?

I expect to be hard-a hearing in the gym, but Jackie’s voice doesn't keep up with the light, feminine tone.

“HEY! JOHNNY! LET’S GO OVER HERE!”

We find a space in the back corner and just stand back to watch the others dancing in the center. Riff and Grazi are having a dance-off with Anita and Bernardo with many onlookers. After a while I feel Jackie nudge my shoulder.

“Wanna dance? Or are you just here to show up too?”

In my head I can’t help but be disappointed that Jackie’s only here because she’s being forced to, not because she wants to dance with me. But I don’t wanna make her do something she don’t like- ‘it’s the gentleman thing to do,’ as ma would say.

“You don’t have to dance with me. I understand, you just wanna get this outta the way.”

Jacqueline’s POV

I notice Johnny’s spirits fall, and at foist I’m not sure why. But then I see him look’n at the odda guys dancing with goils and it clicks. He really wanted to dance with me. This isn’t just a meaningless one time thing to him.

“Say, Johnny… Do you know how to dance?” I ask noivously.

He lifts his head up with new-found enthusiasm and shuffles his feet. “Uh, no. But I’m willing to learn!”

I smile and take his hand. “Then we’ll both learn, ‘cause I don’t either!”

And so it goes, starting with a simple jig and Baby John lifting me up in the air. We do some jazz squares, in-and-out hops, and some charlestons. He’s really good! But my nerves pick up again when the music tone changes to a more slow, romantic song and couples start slow-dancing. Baby John seems to get anxious too, but we both struggle through and start swaying while trying not to fall over.

“I apologize in advance if I step on your feet,” I kid at him.

“Hey! I’m supposed to say that to you,” he points back with a smile.

“Yeah, well… These heels can stab right through your feet. Seriously, they should be classified as murder weapons!”

“I’m assuming you’s never worn heels before?”

I look down. “That obvious, huh?”

“Don’t get me wrong, you pull them off well.”

“Just one more thing I’ve failed at in my big sister’s life of being a goil etiquette.” I roll my eyes.

Baby John frowns. “You don’t act like a goil.”

Hm. I was afraid of this. Sooner or later Baby John was gonna see just how much of a tomboy I really am and then probably leave me for some other more feminine goil.

“Would you want me to?” I ask uneasily.

It doesn’t take long, just a short moment for Baby John to look straight at me with his big, brown eyes, then he shakes his head. “No. I like you, like this I mean. You’re not flirty or over dramatic, you’re just like… just like talking to a guy. B- But not in a weird way!” He quickly recovers and runs a hand through his hair. “Gee, I’m sorry Jackie. ‘S just I ain’t too good talk’n to goils, but you… you’re different.”

“Like… a tomboy, right?”

“Exactly!”

I nod and look away. “Yeah. Someone who never wanted to go on dates ‘cause all guys want is a dainty goil who giggles when she laughs, like a lifesize Barbie doll.”

“I don’t see you that way. You don’t let anyone control you, aren’t afraid to get messy. If that ain’t respectable, I donno what is. But, um, if you’s will’n to maybe give a guy a chance…” He clears his throat and looks at me with noivous eyes. “Would you wanna maybe go on an actual date? It don’t gotta be like this, maybe something outdoors?”

Baby John doesn’t care I’m a tomboy? And call me crazy, but a real date with John actually sounds exciting! Maybe dance wasn’t so terrible after all…

I can tell Baby John’s noivous, but I try to ease him up by taking his hand and using my other hand to cup his face. “Jonathon, I’d luv to!”

His face lights up brighter than the sun and suddenly I’m be’n twirled through the air.

“Thank you thank you thank you!” Baby John cheers. When he sets me down he looks at me with a serious face. “I swear, Jacquline, I’ll be good to you. I ain’t like the odda Jets, I’m an honest man I swear.”

My heart melts and I take the courage to lean up and place a soft kiss on Jonathon’s cheek. “I know, Jonathan. I just… know. And I just wanna say thank you for ever want’n to date a weirdo tomboy.”

A deep red flushes over his cheeks and John gives a shy chuckle. “Thanks for give’n a skinny nobody a chance. Um… one last dance?”

“It’d be a shame to waste the golden opportunity,” I smirk.

He grins. “Let’s go!”

We walk hand-in-hand back into the dancing chaos, then begin twirling away again. Tension is still thick between the Sharks and Jets, but we don’t care. All I can think about is Baby John’s soft hands and luv’n eyes. All my life I’ve never thought any guy would take an interest, but now I think things are taking a change for the better!

“Hey, Jackie! You’re finally enjoying yourself!” My sister shouts when she and Action dance over to us.

“Zip it, Velma!” But deep inside, I’ve never been happier! We keep dancing until the Jets and Sharks start to get into a heated argument, then take the time to slip outside.

Baby John gives me a sheepish look. “Things are start’n to get heated up. Sorry ‘bout that.”

I wave it off. “It ain’t your fault. Velma talks ‘bout this kinda thing all the time.”

“You wanna get outta here?”

I shake my head. “You have no idea! Have ya ever gone fishing before? I know the best place in Brooklyn.”

“That sounds poifect, Jackie.” Baby John smiles warmly and takes my hand, leading me outta the crowded gym and out into the cool night.

“Just wait ‘til you see the harbor-! Ugh. These shoes are killing my feet!” I take a moment to lean against a crate while John seems to get an idea.

“Allow me, miss.” He kneels down and starts unstrapping my painful heels. When he’s finished with the foist shoe I stumble a bit, but John lets me lean on him to regain my balance. After I can walk normal again, Baby John stands up and plants a quick kiss on my forehead.

“Race you there?”

I give him a wicked grin. “You’re on!”

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