xXc0okieSsNcrEamXx: The last few chapters were fun to write. Hope you enjoy this one too.
As per usual I don't own West Side.
Action was known for being quick to violence. He had learned it from his drunken father who was a violent alcoholic. He would constantly get into fist fights with other kids in the school. Little did he know that he had caught the eyes of Tony Wyzek and his best friend who he knew only as Riff.
One day the angry kid was angry enough to try picking a fight with Tony. No one ever went after Tony. The kid could fight himself but he also quickly found out that if you went after Tony then Riff would get involved.
Riff had beaten his ass thoroughly back then when Action had thrown a punch at Tony that never made contact with him. Afterwards however Riff and Tony dragged the boy to Valentinas shop where the womans husband treated the injuries.
After the injuries Action limped over to Riff and Tony. The two boys straightened up when he went over.
"Why did you get me medical attention?" For now the rage had been quelled leaving confusion. No one had ever bothered after a beating from his father.
"We've been watching you for a while." Riff stated. Even back then Action had thought the other boy to have a charismatic but commanding presence. "You're angry. You show up at school with minor injuries that don't come from the fights you pick which means they come from home."
Action was stunned with wide eyes. No one had ever noticed this detail or bothered to. Tony and Riff share a look coming to a silent agreement.
"We got a proposition for ya.." At Actions expectant stare Riff continued. "You're a good fighter but you're hot headed which makes you vulnerable. You watch our back and we'll watch yours."
That offer was too tempting to pass up. Action agreed and that was how a friendless, angry boy ended up friends with two of the best people he knew who soon earned his loyalty.
When the Jets were started Action was the first person to join the gang as a lietenant of sorts. His loyalty was unmatched by most. When Riff or Tony told him to do something he did it without question.
On this particular day in the present, Action was walking to meet with Riff. His loyalty to Tony had weakened after the former leader left the Jets. He was loyal, but he expected that loyalty in return. Tony wasn't doing that which made his loyalty to Riff much stronger than the loyalty he had to Tony.
"Hey, buddyboy. What's on your mind?"
Action snapped out of his thoughts at Riffs voice. He turned his head to look at the leader of the Jets. "Why are you still loyal to Tony? He isn't returning that loyalty.."
Riff stopped to watch Action. He leaned against the wall keeping his gaze on him. Truth be told he expected that question eventually. Loyalty meant everything to the guy just as it did to the other gang members.
"Womb to tomb." Riff started, taking out a cigarette. He handed one to Action and then let them both. They both inhaled and let out the addictive substance. "Tony and me..We've been with each other from the begining. He's my brother through thick and thin." Riff took another drag of the cigarette. "I won't say I don't feel betrayed. I'd be lyin if I did."
Action kept his eyes on Riff listening. It was rare for Riff to open up in this way.
"But womb to tomb wasn't ever a joke to me. I couldn't ever leave Tony alone. Tonys got his head in the clouds. He couldn't ever cope with the world as it is an that's why he needs me when things inevitably crumble. When he calls, I go. An when it comes down to it I know if I needed him, he'd come runnin."
Action frowned at that. "But ya need him Riff."
Riffs eyes softened at the subtle protectiveness. "But he doesn't know that because I've kept up the charade of being fine." He finished the cigarette and put it out. "Tony will come around. You'll see."
The two boys walked off to get started on their patrol. Action was quiet in thought and Riff let him think about what he said.