Who Knows || Riff (West Side Story 2021)

Chapter 21

𝟷𝟷. 𝙰𝚞𝚐𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝟷𝟿𝟻𝟼

It was very rare for Rose Everly and Riff Lorton to have days together where they could have privacy outside of their homes. They were in a precarious situation, especially as Rose was now a target to gang members outside of the Jets. However, no good would be done for either member of the couple if they weren't allowed to spend time together in other situations.

     It seemed that this time, Riff had a trick up his sleeve. He'd many things owed it him, by many people, and so managed to pull a few strings- as it were.

     Because if these things, the man was able to organise a time for them to enjoy themselves. And that, they did.

    With a collection of small amounts of food, and a large checkered blanket, the two of them sat together for quite some time. They shared many kisses, some light, some heavy. However, every single one of them was filled with the sort of meaning that was rarely found between two people.

     Riff and Rose were a rare sort of couple.

𝟷𝟼. 𝙰𝚞𝚐𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝟷𝟿𝟻𝟼

Very little seemed to happen this day. The night before, however, had been marvellous.

But when Riff arrived at Rose's home, she knew something was the matter. His demeanour was different: from the way he carried himself, to the way his blue eyes raked the floors. His freckled skin suddenly seemed to have less fervour.

After settling himself, and letting Rose make him a cup of tea, Riff finally explained what was happening.

The Jets had another enemy, and it didn't look good. The Hawks were their name, and Rose could tell her boyfriend was nervous about it.

They didn't talk about it any further. The Everly girl could tell he needed to think it over, and so they sat together. It was going to be a long couple of days, but if it all came together, then it would be worth it.

𝟷𝟿. 𝙰𝚞𝚐𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝟷𝟿𝟻𝟼

A few days had passed, and there was no meaningful update on the situation between the Hawks and the Jets. Because of this, Rose had become increasingly nervous. In all of the time she'd known Riff, which in reality was only seven months, she'd never seen him in such a state. It was becoming stressful for him, but he clearly didn't show that to his friends.

    Rose was the only one to see him vulnerable. She was the only one to see him broken and bruised.

    She was the only one who loved him so intensely.

     As she was told the day before, there was going to be a rumble... of sorts. Riff had stated explicitly that she was not allowed to be there. It was going to be rough, and painful.

     Despite not being the sort of girl to pay attention to a man's want, she stayed away. The day was going to be stressful for Riff anyway, and the Everly girl didn't want to make anything worse. However, because she wasn't there to keep an eye on him, Rose became increasingly worried.

     Of course, she knew he could fight. Riff was supposed to be the best man out of the Jets, as he was the leader. It didn't deter her nerves.

    It was dark when a knock came to Rose's door. She raced to it, and saw exactly who she wanted to. The tall, freckled boy she hopelessly loved. Of course, the Everly girl engulfed him in a large hug.

   His eyes were black, the skin on his cheek bright red, and oozing thick blood. Rose ran a thumb across his freckled face, watching with care as he winced at the feeling. His sharp intake of breath was enough to show he was hurt.

  "Hi, Rosie." Riff's voice was hoarse: he must've been shouting.

  "Oh, baby." The words slipped from her mouth as she kissed his cheek, using her small hands to push back his floppy hair. "What did they do to you?"

  "It's alright. Don't worry 'bout me."

  "I'm always gonna worry 'bout you."

𝟸𝟶. 𝙰𝚞𝚐𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝟷𝟿𝟻𝟼

Riff Lorton had once again spent the night in Rose's company. The two of them often fell asleep better in the arms of one another: more specifically, the Everly girl did. She found everything to be easier in his company, which made it all the better.

When the morning came, and light came through the thick, blue curtains, Rose found herself wrapped in Riff's embrace. His breaths were light, and it gave the girl the chance to watch over him in his peaceful state. Though the small smile on his face rendered him content, the deep purple bruises over his skin offset it.

However, Rose knew he didn't mind how it looked. If anything, the bruises and scars made him tougher, and it scared the other gangs into submission.

She wasn't sure how long she lay there, and in all honesty, she didn't care. It was one of the most peaceful moments she'd had in a long time, and Rose loved it.

Soon, Riff's eyelids started to flicker, and his beautiful blue eyes were revealed with a sleepy grin. His thumb moved tenderly upon her waist, signalling to her that he was truly awake.

"Hi." Rose smiled as she felt the boy pull her closer, their noses touching.

"Hi." Replied Riff, his voice gravelly and filled with gravitas. He placed a tender kiss to her lips.

A beautiful moment shared so early in the day. Rose would never get used to it. She never could. He seemed like a dream most of the time, and moments like this, she realised how lucky she was.

"I love you." She whispered, kissing his nose. "More than I ever thought."

"Love you too, lil' darlin'."

Rose's expression dropped. "I thought we got past that."

"We're never getting past that." Riff smirked.

"I could spend every day like this with you."

"One day we will."

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Disclaimer!!!
I do not own West Side Story or the characters originally from the book, play, or musical. I do not own Riff, or any events from the 2021 film that this book is based off. However, I do own Rose, her friends, family, and her relationship with Riff prior to the film.
All of this is purely fictional, anything that relates to real life is purely coincidence.