Chapter 18: Somewhere (Tony POV)

*Sorry for the delay, hope you enjoy. Author's note at the end.

Pain radiated from every part of his body. He tried to open his eyes a couple of times, but the pain just kept him frozen in darkness. He could tell he wasn't on the roof any longer because someone was laying him down on his bed. He could also feel a cool cloth on his forehead. After what felt like a century, Tony was able to peak his eyes open. Everything was blurry and too bright. Once his vision was able to focus, he was finally able to make out the person tending to him.

"Val?", he croaked in a scratchy voice.

"Rest, hijo. You're hurt bad.". Valentina rang out another cloth and rested it against his jaw.

Tony took a deep breath as the memories from what happened to him came crashing back. "Val, what happened?! Where's Maria? They wouldn't hurt her, would they?! I need to find her… Ahhh!". Tony had raised up too quickly in his panic.

"Stop, she is fine. She's with Anita right now. Now, sit back. You're lucky you haven't broken any ribs… yet.". Valentina began wrapping a big bandage around his torso. It hurt a lot, but once secure he felt he could raise up a little better.

"How do you know?"

"Who do you think called me to get to you? When Anita overheard what had happened, she called and told me to get to you right away. Maria had just come through the door when she hung up with me." Valentina grabbed some smaller bandages and tended to the cut on Tony's head.

Noticing Tony's look of worry, she put her hand on his good shoulder and said, "Tony… she's safe."

"But what now, Val? How am I going to see her again? They're never gonna let us be.", Tony choaked up for a second as he continued, "I can't live without her, Val. I won't.".

"Tony, look at me… People will always try and tell you who you should be. This neighborhood, Riff, even me a few times. But the only thing that truly matters is who YOU want to be and what YOU want. People tried to tell Oliver and I we weren't meant to be together, and we prove them wrong. It wasn't easy and not without sacrifice, but we did it, together. Which is why you are going to have to be strong now. Not only for you… but for her too. As long as you're together, you can make it through anything."

"But how can we do that if we can't even be together, now?"

Suddenly, a knock came from the back door. Tony feared it would be a second run in with the Sharks. He was ready to run if necessary; he would let Valentina get involved in a fight. When Valentina opened the door, he was met with the most beautiful sight he could hope for. Maria stopped short when she first saw him, then came rushing to his side with tears streaming down her face. Tony clung her tight, completely ignore the pain he felt.

"Tony!... I was so scared… I thought they had… I thought…", Maria couldn't get the words out through her sobs.

"Shhhh, it's ok. I'm alright. I've had worse, remember", Tony's grin caused a giggle to escape her. Tony held onto her again, for fear of her disappearing. He finally took notice of the suitcase laid by the door.

"Where that come from?"

Maria looked at him, then back to Valentina. Tony was surprised to see a similar suitcase in Valentina's hands. "It's your chance to be happy. I've already made arrangements for you both. Go to the Bus Station and get two tickets for the next bus to Virginia. An old friend of mine will be waiting there for you. He'll help you both from thereafter. I've packed for you and here are your next six months wages to help you along.". Valentina laid the suitcase at his bed and handed him and envelope of money.

Tony was stunned by what she was saying. He looked over to Maria expecting the same reaction, but instead saw a look of encouragement and hope; two things he'd never thought he'd see. I must have been out awhile. They've already got it all figured out for us.

"Maria… are you sure this is what you want?... Are you sure you want…me?"

She laughed as if he had just told a joke. "You are the only thing I need or will ever need. I'm yours, Tony."

Tony smiled and leaned in for a chaste kiss. "I'm yours, too."

*So... there will be one more chapter after this one. I promise it'll be a good one.