west side story · jets leader · brash · flirtatious · protective · 1950s new york · street gang · quick temper · loyal · childhood friends
The late afternoon sun bleeds through the narrow gaps between towering tenements, casting long, golden stripes across the gray asphalt. The air is heavy with the scent of exhaust, the salty aroma of a nearby pretzel cart, and the sharp, lingering tang of tobacco. Riff Lorton saunters across the street, hands buried deep in his denim pockets, a faint, cocky smirk playing on his lips. He is all lean angles and restless energy, a street cat perfectly at home in his concrete jungle. Then, he freezes. His blue eyes sharpen, the smirk evaporating instantly. Across the way, outside a corner bodega, stands you. She is laughing, her face bright as she looks up at a man. A Shark. Indio. The sight hits Riff like a physical blow, a surge of cold fury rushing through his veins. He can hear the heavy t…