Chapter 12: Boy, Boy, Crazy Boy (Tony and Maria POV)

(Tony POV)

Nights had become Tony's favorite time of day since he met Maria. It was the only time they could see each other, and there were many nights they couldn't see each other at all. So, they made the most of it. Tony had made a late-night picnic for them on the roof of Doc's while they watched the night sky. After one month together, Maria and he grew closer each day. Sometimes he felt like he'd known her all his life. Despite everything that kept them apart, they managed to fall deep in love with each other; at least he hoped she felt the same way. Though he's known from day one, he still couldn't say the words to her.

The sound of the rooftop door opening pulled him from his thoughts. He smiled knowing it was her, but as he turned around, he was struck dumbfounded. His Maria stood before him in dress that should be classified illegal. It was a deep red dress that ended just above her knees, hugged her in all the right places, and flared out a little at the bottom. Tony gave her a low whistle in approval.

Maria giggled at his response and walked up and wrapped her arms around him. "Gracis."

He leaned down and kissed her, silently telling her everything he wanted to say and more. Their kisses were always passionate, but this one was even more so. Tony lightly bit her lower lip causing a moan to escape her. This only fueled him as his hands roamed over her. Finally needing air, they both pulled apart smiling, and slightly panting. Tony showed her to the blanket he had spread out for their picnic.

They snacked on the food and talked about their day together. Tony found comfort in listening to her talk. She could recite the Gettysburg Address and he would have been fascinated just because it was her voice. Even when she spoke in Spanish and he couldn't understand, he was enamored of her. Thankfully, he was getting better at understanding her since she began teaching him some Spanish.

As they finished the meal, they laid down and looked at the night sky. They cuddled up to each other, and Tony felt like life couldn't get any better than right now. But what if it doesn't last. She doesn't know what you did. She'll leave you because you're a monster. The thought came out of nowhere, but it suddenly made Tony panic. How can I tell her what I did?! She'll won't understand. She'll realize what I am and leave. I can't lose her!

Not realizing Maria had noticed the change in him, she startled him when she rested her hand on his cheek and said, "Tony, what's wrong? You're shaking. Are you cold?"

He grabbed her hand and kissed it as he raised up. "Maria, I need to tell you something. I… I've wanted to for a while now… it's just… I don't kn…", he continued stumble until she raised up and grabbed his face.

"Tony, you can talk to me."

Tony was finding it hard to breathe. "You remember when I told you the reason I left the Jets was because something happened to make me change." Maria nodded. "It was something bad… something I did that earned me a year… in prison upstate."

Maria looked stunned, but not appalled. "Okay… what happened?" Tony hung his head as the memory of that night came rushing back.

***Warning: Language, Fighting, and racial slur (because of the situation and time period)

Flashback: 18 months ago

The Jets had a rumble with the Emeralds. They were finally taking their turf away from those sons of bitches. They were ready for anything with their knives were hidden in their back pockets just in case they fought dirty, which they always did. Tony was leading them since he was their best brawler. Tony was quick on his feet and even quicker with his fists.

They made it to the agreed location behind the warehouse. Tony and Riff walked to the middle and met with Tom and Al, the so-called leaders of the Emeralds. Tom smirked at the two of them. "So, you squares decided to show… that's good. Rather a square than a bunch of cowards."

Tony replied, "Get bent, Tom. You and your riffraff need to scram before you find out how many of you Emeralds will be tasting the pavement."

Tom, and the rest of the Emeralds, just laughed. "Ooooo, I'm so scared!"

"You should be.", Tony smirked at their change in attitude. He was already getting ready for the rumble to break out.

"You know… you were just little annoying pups before… now, it's time for a lesson in obedience. You know how you teach that? With a pup, ya beat it outta em'." Things moved quickly, but for Tony it was in slow motion. He strikes fast and keep moving around the Emeralds. He knocked out one after another, dropping like flies. Soon he was met with Tom; he'd been waiting for this for years.

"Come on, pup. Make your move!", Tom egged him on. Tony aimed for his gut, but Tom moved quick and dodged. Tom threw two punches at Tony, neither one making contact. They continued to dance around each other. Then Tom said the worse sentence he could to Tony.

"Come on you stupid Polack! Time for to meet your Polack parents again!"

Tony could remember much that happened after that. The bits he did remember were seeing red and standing over Tom throwing punch after punch. He didn't even hear the police siren blaring. The officers pulled him off Tom, calling for an ambulance. Tony could finally see around him; none of the Jets or Emeralds were there. They all took off leaving him, even Riff. It was only him and Tom left. He wasn't if Tom was still there. The officers were cuffing him as they talked. The one sentence that still stayed with Tony was the officer saying, "I bet that boy doesn't make it the night. Looks like we got a murder charge on top of it." Murder? Tony could believe it. Even once Tom was declared alive and would remain alive, Tony still could believe what he almost did.

When Tony faced the judge, he looked back in the courtroom to see who was there. None of the Jets, not even Riff was there. The only person he recognized was Valentina. The judge had given one year in prison, but to Tony it felt too little. While in prison, he'd seen all different kinds of people stuck in the same place as him. Most came from the same background as him, and a good many was in there for their second or third time. He wouldn't ever be back. He swore before God and his parents in heaven that he wouldn't become that again.

Present:

After Tony finished his story, he waited for Maria to yell at him and say she never wanted to see him again. Instead, he was surprised to find her holding him tight. The breath he was holding onto released as he wrapped his arms around her.

"I'm so sorry you had to go through that alone.", said Maria.

Tony could understand. "What do mean? I caused it. I started the fight and I'm the one who almost beat him to death. I'm the monster."

"No, you're not. That boy should have called you that. That's why Bernardo started the Sharks… because someone called him a Spic. He says that Americans don't trust us, and we can't trust them. Hate is the problem, Tony, not you."

Tony wanted to cry. "How can you even look at me after what I've done?"

Maria was silent for a moment, and he feared the worse to come. But instead, she said the most wonderful thing ever to him. "Because I know you… and I love you."

"What?! You do?". When Maria nodded her head yes, Tony wanted to scream with joy. "I love you, too!". He reached over and smashed his lips to hers. They kissed as if there was no tomorrow. Passion and love filled them both as Tony continued kissing and nipping every inch of her skin; her lips, neck, nose, and cheeks were the only ones he could reach, though. They remained like this until the beginning of the sunrise began to touch the night sky.

(Maria POV)

Maria rushed up the fire escape being careful of slipping. She hadn't realized how late it had become. She didn't really care, though. The night she spent with Tony had been filled with so many emotions she couldn't even see straight. When he told her his story, she was shocked and sad to know what he had went through. She was proud of him for his promise to be a better man, which he had kept since being released. Most of all, she was ecstatic to hear him say he loved her too. All these emotions swirled around in her head, making her oblivious to the person standing in her room as she climbed in through her window.

Maria jumped when the unknown person turned on her lamp. Anita stood there with an expression that could turn a person to stone. With her hands on her hips, Anita said, "Where have you been?!"

(Evil Giggle) Sorry to leave on a cliffhanger, but I promise it will be worth it. Please leave reviews, and I hope you enjoyed.