Chapter 34: Power Ups

Chapter 34: Chapter 34: Power Ups

"I know how close you boys were and even I struggled to keep myself from acting out during the funeral, so don't feel bad at all sweety." Alina's eyes started watering, wiping her eyes and gazing at Ricky with a warm smile, tears struck after reminiscing about her deceased son.

*Huff*

'F*ck her hands are so soft-dammit Ricky!' Ricky didn't even hear what Alina even said, his entire body focusing on her soft hands on his, trying to fend off the image of those soft hands wrapped around his-

"Ricky?" Alina worriedly asked, gripping his fingers tightly as Ricky immediately looked up at the ceiling.

"Ah, I-I'm sorry." Ricky was really trying not to look or even think of Alina however the mother mistook his actions.

"Oh Ricky~" Alina smiled, walking over while mistaking Ricky's actions as an attempt to stop himself from crying.

Pulling up a chair next to him, Alina looked at her now oldest son as Marco also mistook Ricky's actions and decided to give them space.

"Uh-" Ricky's entire body tensed, knowing how weak of a man he was when it came to a woman of Alina's stature.

Immediately, Ricky reached for the water next to him and started guzzling it in an attempt to distract him from this situation deteriorating his sanity.

"It's okay Ricky, it really is~" Alina rested one hand on his arm and the other on his shoulder, rubbing him in a soothing manner.

*Thump*

"What was that?" Alina suddenly heard the table bump as if a hard object had hit it from the underside.

*SPIT*

*COUGH*

Ricky did a spit take in the next second, coughing out any remnants of the water as Alina worriedly patted his back.

"My knee, anyways, I think I should-"

"Ricky, I think I understand." Alina suddenly mentioned, seeing Ricky trying to abruptly leave while the misunderstanding only furthered into an intense spiral.

"Y-You do?" Ricky asked, thinking he had been caught, gazing at her only to be a deer in headlights when catching a glimpse at her massive cleavage.

"You're afraid, right?" Alina gently rubbed his cheek, her touch casual and unthinking; to her, he was just Rocco's friend.

However, he couldn't help but see her for the woman she truly was.

"No, but I am feeling a little weak." Ricky quickly understood he hadn't been caught and tried to play it off.

"Oh honey, feeling this way isn't weak." Alina tilted her head with a small chuckle, Ricky gulping at this.

"I-It's not?" Ricky asked, knowing it wasn't at all what she meant but felt his sanity already crumbling to its limit.

"It's human." Alina revealed and Ricky mouth shut before he heaved out a large sigh.

"This is all just plicated." Ricky searched for the right word to describe his situation, his gaze drifting to the side where a blue screen urged him to act.

Despite the prompt, he couldn't shake the feeling that it was the wrong choice thinking it would tarnish his entire friendship with Rocco.

"Complicated doesn't mean impossible, sometimes, it just means you care deeply." Alina smiled softly, her eyes filled with understanding that she didn't fully know.

"I don't know about that-" Ricky laughed out, knowing the things he wanted deep down were for his own selfish desire.

"Listen honey, start by being honest with yourself." Alina advised gently, placing a hand on his chest.

"And remember, you don't have to go through this alone. I'm here for you." Alina's next word made Ricky speechless, trying not to give in but couldn't help it.

'I-I'm sorry Rocco, but I am a weak man.' Ricky's guilt couldn't consume his lust in the end.

'Forgive me Rocco, forgive me.'

*DING*

[Quest Accepted.]

'But I gotta get stronger somehow, for your memory.' Ricky told himself the most bullsh*t excuse that would have to do to quell his guilt.

"Thank you Mrs. Mannheim." Ricky smiled warmly, his guilty smiling morphing into a sleazy one while placing a hand over hers as if accepting her advice.

"Oh honey, your entirety welcome-"

'Wet To The Touch.'

"Mmmmmmmm~" Alina exhaled deeply just as Ricky's rough hands wrapped around hers, unable to finish her words as the tension that had gripped her for the past ten years suddenly melted away on Ricky's unknowing command.

The room was suddenly silent, both caught off guard by Alina's reaction as Ricky had only ever used this technique on Ms. Collins, and she had never responded like this which made him second guess how effective it was.

Alina's entire body became rigid, her face gradually turning a deeper shade of red until it seemed as if smoke might trail from her ears.

*Bump*

"I-I-I have to go!" Alina, with an embarrassed expression mixed with a horrified one, rushed back to her room.

Her abrupt actions caused her knee to hit the underside of the table which knocked Ricky's drink on its side.

"Ma, what's your deal-"

*BAM*

Marco had been in the shared room with his little sister and didn't really hear her promiscuous moan that subtly escaped, but Ricky did.

"Oh brother, I'm sorry Slick." Marco sighed, walking over only to see her mother's abrupt actions.

But when he saw Ricky trying to pick up the spilled glass as water began to drip onto the floor, he stopped him.

"It's not problem Marco-"

"No it's my fault, I should've known better, bless her heart but she's a klutz after all." Marco shook his head while taking the glass from Ricky and grabbing a towel.

"I guess this is my queue to leave." Ricky let out an awkward chuckle as Marco escorted him to the door. With a forced smile, he greeted him goodbye.

"Don't be a stranger, pop by whenever you're not busy." Marco waved, thinking of Ricky as a big brother, especially now that Rocco was gone from his life.

"Oh don't worry, I will." Ricky waved back before walking to the elevator, his hands slipping into his pockets.

A few minutes later, as Ricky made his way out of the apartment building, he noticed Lucky's car still parked outside.

Inside, Lucky's father was engrossed in the newspaper as Ricky strolled back toward the vehicle.

"Look at this, three more dead and it's all cause of those reckless jews-did you piss yourself or something?" Lucky pointed at the newspaper with an aggrieved expression, then cast a puzzled glance at the wet spot on Ricky's pants.

"Do I look like someone who can't control his bladder?" Ricky showed a plain expression as Lucky smirked.

"Could've fooled me." Lucky along with the driver, Alfonze, laughed heartily as Ricky rolled his eyes but started chuckling too.

"Aye, stay away from the mob until I figure out what they're doing." Lucky suddenly exclaimed after five minutes of silent riding.

"Oh come on pops-"

"You think I'm an idiot, you think I don't know that your gonna pull some dumb sh*t behind my back." Lucky genuinely asked as Ricky slowly shut his mouth.

"Listen to me idiot, I don't want to see any part of you leave Brooklyn, ya hear me?" Lucky pointed though Ricky turned his head to the side without commenting.

*TWACK*

"YOU IGNORING YOUR FATHER NOW, HUH?" Lucky hit Ricky with his ivory cane almost immediately.

*DINK*

"YOU DROP THAT BARRIER RIGHT NOW AND TAKE THIS ASS WHOOPING LIKE A MAN-"

"WHAT MAN WOULD TAKE AN ASS WHOOPIN!" Ricky rubbed his head, countering his father's words while Lucky continued to beat his cane rhythmically against his shield.

"A REAL ONE!" Lucky yelled as the anger he'd been holding back had finally been unleashed.

"PROMISE ME RICKY, I AIN'T F*CKING PLAYING THESE GAMES WITH YOU!" Lucky used Ricky's real name which made him flinch since it always comes with repercussions if he didn't listen.

*FLASHBACK*

3 years ago,

*Click*

"Drop the shield Ricky and take this ass whooping." Lucky squinted as Ricky stood motionlessly next to a broken vase.

"It was an accident pops-"

"Ricky." Lucky gestured behind him as his men hesitated but sure enough, started cocking their tommy guns.

This was the first time Lucky had called Ricky by his real name and not the nickname he himself gave him which had already set alarm bells in his mind.

"You wouldn't dare." Ricky squinted his eyes as both of them had a Mexican standoff.

*BANG*

Lucky pulled the trigger of his gun as a bullet shot out before immediately bouncing off of Ricky's shield and lodging itself in the ceiling.

Ricky flinched since he didn't even expect Lucky to shoot, widening his eyes as the surprise and shock didn't allow for him to use Full Counter.

"YOU SHOT AT ME!" Ricky yelled out in disbelief but Lucky simply smiled.

*Click*

"I guess I would dare to after all." Lucky squinted his eyes even further as Ricky pursued his lips.

They both knew he wouldn't use his ability to hurt the family which is why this made for a particular predicament.

*SIGH*

"Fine." Ricky dropped the barrier as Lucky nodded, holstering his pistol before unraveling his belt.

"Now take this ass whooping like a man."

[FLASHBACK END]

Ricky could see the visible strain on Lucky's face since he typically hid his stress behind a mask of indifference, but this time it was different.

The Jewish mafia's escalating brutality, not only towards the public and other mafia families but also towards the Luciano family, was taking its toll.

It was evident in Lucky's demeanor, both mentally and physically.

"Fine, I promise I'll stay away from brooklyn until you resolve it." Ricky gave in as Lucky halted his actions before sitting back down on the seat.

"I already got enough slack with that suit Thomas and with the Jewish Mafia on my ass, I really don't have time for the constant headaches you give me." Lucky calmed himself down as the car slowly pulled up to their mansion.

"Now get out and go take a shower, you smell like sh*t." Lucky used his cane to open the car door for Ricky while not forgetting to insult him.

"And you're going back to school tomorrow." Lucky poked Ricky with the cane as he started to get out of the car.

"You said it was beneficial and although I completely disagree, you're gonna see it through." Lucky reprimanded as the door closed behind him.

"I won't be back for a week or two until I square away these troubles." Lucky gave his lasting remarks to Ricky before driving off in the car.

Ricky shook his head before walking back to the mansion, he didn't even reach the double doors before seeing Isabella open it for him.

"Oh my little figlio~" Isabella shuffled over to Ricky before pulling him into a hug.

*DING*

'No.' Ricky frowned since he was a horrible person and a bad person, but he actually had some standards though they mostly had to do with appearance.

Isabella, bless her soul, was a elderly woman in her early sixties and age had not been kind to her which is why Ricky hadn't made any advances.

*Sigh*

"I'm really fine Isabella-"

"Nonsense, have you eaten yet-No!" Isabella didn't even need to finish her question to know the answer as she pulled him into the kitchen.

"Isabella-"

"No excuses, you need to eat your already so skinny!" Isabella was aggrieved as she set Ricky at the counter before walking over to the prepared dinner.

Ricky couldn't get another word out as Isabella started placing an entire feast for eight at his fingertips.

"If you don't eat it all then you'll make me cry, Slick~" Isabella faked crocodile tears though once she saw Ricky deadpan face, she dropped the act to go do the dishes.

"Oh I almost forgot! A little sweetheart came by to give you these." Isabella suddenly stopped before pulling out a letter from her apron.

Handing it to Ricky, he raised an eyebrow before immediately raising a smile after seeing Maria's handwriting.

Dear Ricky,

I don't know what Rocco meant to you but I know how much you mean to me. You're really special to me and I hope that you're doing just fine. I really want to talk as soon as possible, please come find me when you read this letter.

P.S I really wish that if you would run away from things, you at least run to me.

Sincerely Yours, Maria Profaci

Ricky smiled as he rubbed the pink lettermen paper which had a hint of her perfume as he set the letter down.

'I'll pay her a visit later tonight.'

2 hours later,

Ricky rubbed his stomach, having cleaned his plate completely as Isabella finally allowed him to leave the table, and he wobbled back to his room.

Walking into the shower since he had only washed his face today, he stepped in while looking at the hovering blue icon that he put to the back of his mind earlier today.

'Receive.'

[Implementing Rewards.]

*CRACK*

*CRACK*

Almost immediately, Ricky's bones began to crack, the sound echoing sharply in the confined space before they reformed, only to crack again.

His eyes strained under the excruciating pain, veins bulging and pupils dilating.

"ARGH!" Ricky's pained grunt filled the bathroom as he dropped to his knees as his lungs expanded painfully, forcing his grunts into ragged, uneven breaths.

His muscles were the next to suffer; they tore apart, fibers snapping, before reforming in a brutal endless cycle.

Convulsions overtook his body, spasms wracking him with agonizing force as he collapsed onto the shower floor.

The hot water cascading over him, mingling with his sweat, offering a layer of warmth that felt mocking in his current torment.

*GASP*

*HUFF*

*HUFF*

*HUFF*

Minutes passed before Ricky finally mustered the strength to take a deep breath, his chest heaving with the effort.

As he exhaled, the breath left him in a shuddering release, his body still trembling from the aftershocks of the pain.

"What the f*ck." Ricky gasped, patting his body, which had been internally ripped apart moments before.

Still reeling from the horrid experience, he sat blankly on the shower floor, staring up at the ceiling, and after a while, Ricky mustered enough strength to stand up and turn off the shower nozzle.

The water ceased as he stepped out to the side, his eyes widening slightly at the sight before him.

"Woah." Ricky let out as his body had become completely shredded in a single day.

"God damn." Ricky couldn't help but flex in the mirror, a triumphant smile spreading across his face.

The total regret from enduring that pain washed away, replaced by sheer narcissism for his newly transformed physique.

"Totally worth it." Ricky flashed a smile at his reflection before walking back into his room.

His previous self from just a minute ago would be cursing him relentlessly if he saw this. As he adorned some clothes, Ricky sat on his bed, his gaze fixed on the stack of unopened coupons in front of him.

'Use all Gacha.'

*DING*

[Received:

Epic Skill: Digital Cloaking

Description: The power to become invisible to surveillance cameras, sensors, and other forms of electronic detection, allowing for stealthy movements in highly monitored areas, can be turned on and off at will.

Epic Skill: Defensive Precognition

Description: A heightened sense of awareness that allows the user to foresee and react to incoming threats, enhancing their ability to dodge attacks and counter adversaries.

Epic Item: Lorestone Pendant:

Description: A pendant containing the knowledge of the lost ancient civilization Cortaj. When worn, it grants the wearer wisdom, language proficiency, and historical insight at random.

Epic Growth Item: Soulbound Grimoire

Description: A spellbook that absorbs the knowledge and abilities of the caster. As the caster learns new spells, the grimoire becomes more powerful, granting access to a wider range of magic.

Warning: Requires Magic and Warlock proficiency to access.

Epic Item: Translation Ring

Description: A ring that allows the wearer to understand and speak any language, facilitating communication with diverse cultures and species.

Epic familiar: Possessed Gerbil

Description: A gerbil that will randomly become possessed by a random historical figure when taken out of the system.

Warning: Once taken out of the system, it cannot be put back in.

Rare: Blueprint Scanner

Description: A projector that once it scans an object, will be able to accurately make a blueprint of it.

Rare Item: Forever Lasting Lighter

Description: A lighter that will never run out of fuel no matter how much you use it.

Rare Item: First Aid Kit

Description: A compact first aid kit containing bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and other essentials for treating minor injuries and ailments.

13 x Uncommon: Stainless Steel Insulated Mug: A durable, insulated mug to keep beverages hot or cold for extended periods, ideal for coffee, tea, or cold drinks on the go.

9 x Uncommon: Collapsible Water Bowl: A collapsible bowl for pets, allowing them to drink water or eat during walks or travel, promoting their comfort and hydration.

6 x Uncommon: Self-Watering Planters: Planters equipped with a self-watering system, ensuring that indoor plants receive adequate moisture and reducing the frequency of watering.

5 x Uncommon: Stainless Steel Reusable Straw Set

Description: A set of reusable metal straws, often accompanied by a cleaning brush and a travel pouch, reducing single-use plastic waste.

3 x Uncommon: Reading Light

Description: A clip-on or portable reading light with adjustable brightness, allowing for comfortable reading in low-light conditions.

(Uncommon Item) Empty Portraits x 2: Two finely crafted portrait frames, waiting to be filled with memories or artwork. Each frame is elegantly designed, offering a blank canvas to showcase cherished moments or creative expressions. Ideal for personalizing your living space or as thoughtful gifts.

(Uncommon Item) Sheet's of mint scented paper x 34: A collection of 34 pristine sheets of paper, delicately infused with a refreshing mint scent.

(Uncommon Item) 9mm pistol: A reliable, compact firearm chambered for 9mm rounds. Known for its accuracy and ease of use, this pistol is an effective choice for self-defense or tactical situations. It comes with a standard magazine and safety features, ready for immediate use.

(Uncommon Item) Medkits x 10: A set of 10 comprehensive medkits, each containing supplies for treating a variety of injuries and emergencies. With enough provisions to care for up to 20 people, these kits are essential for ensuring health and safety in challenging situations, whether at home, in the field, or during emergencies.

(Uncommon Item) Stainless Steel Insulated Mug: A durable, insulated mug to keep beverages hot or cold for extended periods, ideal for coffee, tea, or cold drinks on the go. X 13

(Uncommon Item) Collapsible Water Bowl: A collapsible bowl for pets, allowing them to drink water or eat during walks or travel, promoting their comfort and hydration. X 9

(Uncommon Item) Self-Watering Planters: Planters equipped with a self-watering system, ensuring that indoor plants receive adequate moisture and reducing the frequency of watering. X 6

(Uncommon Item) Stainless Steel Reusable Straw Set: A set of reusable metal straws, often accompanied by a cleaning brush and a travel pouch, reducing single-use plastic waste. X 5

(Uncommon Item) Reading Light: A clip-on or portable reading light with adjustable brightness, allowing for comfortable reading in low-light conditions. X 3

(Uncommon Item) Portable Clothesline: A lightweight and compact clothesline with clips or hooks, ideal for drying clothes while traveling or camping. X 4

(Uncommon Item) Bike Repair Kit: A compact kit containing essential tools for bicycle repair, including tire levers, patch kits, and a mini pump, ensuring riders can handle common issues during bike trips. X 6

(Common Item) Safety Whistle: An emergency whistle with a loud, piercing sound, essential for attracting attention during outdoor adventures or emergencies. X 12

(Common Item) Foldable Travel Umbrella: A durable and compact umbrella that folds into a small size, making it easy to carry in a purse or backpack for unexpected rain. X 34

(Common Item) Travel Spice Containers: Small, refillable containers for carrying spices and seasonings, allowing travelers to add flavor to meals while on the road. X 23

(Common Item) Travel Sewing Kit: A compact sewing kit with threads, needles, buttons, and scissors, allowing for quick repairs on clothing and fabrics while traveling. X 7

(Common Item) Portable Folding Chair: A lightweight and foldable chair that is easy to carry, perfect for outdoor events, picnics, or camping trips. X 8

(Common Item) Reusable Shopping Bags: Durable, foldable bags that can be reused for grocery shopping, reducing the use of single-use plastic bags and contributing to environmental conservation. X 41

(Common Item) Bike Lock: A sturdy bike lock to secure bicycles and prevent theft, allowing peace of mind when parking bikes in public places. X 20

(Common Item) Cobwebs x 76: A delicate network of sticky silk threads spun by a spider, this cobweb is an emblem of neglect and time's passage.

(Common Item) Scented Mint Lotion x 10: Gives off the masculine scent of mint.

(Common Item) Broken clocks x 4: Clocks that were once in use but have broken down overtime until they simply stopped working.

(Common Item) LED flashlight: A compact, powerful light source equipped with energy-efficient LED technology.

(Common Item) Wine Cooler: A sleek, modern appliance designed to chill and store wine at the optimal temperature.

(Common Item) Rusted Ax: A heavy, weathered ax with a blade tarnished by rust and years of neglect.

(Common Item) Napkins: Use it to wipe whatever is dirty. X 99

Ricky hadn't realized before, but now he had fully realized how important these skills and items could be as well as how they could benefit him in the future.

'That blueprint scanner is a total cheat.' Ricky also thought that although he wasn't the smartest needle in the haystack, he at least knew how valuable these items were in this time period.

'No one has to know that I didn't invent these right? I mean, who cares if I take away from those who hadn't even thought of it yet-'

"Human, I have calmed my waring mind." Alexander finally spoke while Ricky mulled over his list as he gazed up to see Alexander on top of Chester's head.

"But I must organize myself to reach a better state of clarity, me and Chester shall be back on the morrow." Alexander nodded along with Chester who flapped his wings before rocketing out of the window.

*Sigh*

"I-"

"You know what, I'm not even mad." Ricky shook his head, standing up as he started walking towards the door.

"I need to see Maria." Ricky lightly sighed, walking out his house as he got into his car and drove off.

Meanwhile at the Profaci Residence,

Laying on her bed, Maria clutched Ricky's leather jacket while staring in a daze at the ceiling above her with a sense of longing eclipsing her expression.

Maria wasn't upset at Ricky for leaving all of a sudden, but instead disappointed that instead of running to her, Ricky ran away from his problems.

In Maria's mind, Ricky had always been there for her during the most difficult times of her recent life.

Through all of her recent heartaches, Ricky had been there for her and it made her feel guilty that she couldn't do the same for him.

'Are we even going steady?' Maria questioned with immediate discomfort as she started doubting whether Ricky had feelings for her.

'No Maria, he likes you. He really likes you-'

*Dink*

"Huh?" Maria looked as she heard a clicking sound before looking around with confusion.

"What was-"

*Dink*

Maria's head jerked to her window as she tilted her head in confusion, sitting up from her bed while pursing her lips.

"What is that-AHHH!" Maria got up to check before seeing a hand place itself on the window pane.

Maria immediately screeched and fell on her butt, backing up until she suddenly froze while widening her eyes in surprise.

"Ricky-"

"PRINCESS WHAT'S WRONG!" Profaci shouted from downstairs as Maria flinched before looking back at her door then towards the window.

Rushing forward, she opened her window to see Ricky struggling to climb up to her window sill before flashing a smile upon seeing his princess.

"Hey beautiful, mind giving me a hand?" Rickcy said in a cheesy voice as Maria started panicking while pulling him into her room.

"What are you doing!" Maria screamed in a whisper though Ricky simply chuckled while grabbing the ledge to pull himself up.

"Why do you think I'm climbing into your window? Of course, I wanted to see you." Ricky said as he touched his shoes onto the floor.

He could've used his gravity shoes but he thought it might've freaked Maria out and also wanted to make his efforts authentic.

*BAM*

*BAM*

*BAM*

"PRINCESS WHAT'S WRONG, CAN I OPEN THE DOOR?" Profaci asked though first asked for permission

"I-I'm fine Uncle!" Maria anxiously spoke, pacing back and forth in panic while Ricky nonchalantly wiped his hands on his jacket.

"Then what was that scream?!" Profaci questioned as Maria looked towards Ricky who was admiring her room.

"I-It was a bug-yeah it was a bug!" Maria came up with an excuse as Ricky tried to hold back his laughter.

"Alright, love you princess."

"Love you too uncy."

Maria bit her lip before hearing her uncle walk away until finally letting out a sigh of relief as Ricky let out his chuckle.

"So, I'm a bug now?" Ricky teased Maria who went pale before aggressively shaking her head back and forth.

"N-n-no I-I-I-I-I-....Ricky~" Maria started to panic until she saw Ricky was messing with her which made her whine.

"Sorry, I'm sorry." Ricky saw how distressed he made her, walking over to take Maria into his embrace.

*Sniff*

"You're such a meanie, you suddenly leave, twice, then show up unannounced. You're the worst." Maria buried her head into his chest as Ricky's face twitched since she wasn't exactly wrong in her words.

"Now that you pointed it out, I kinda am the worst." Ricky shrugged, wholeheartedly agreeing with her as Maria looked up with a frown.

"No you're not!" Maria hit his chest as Ricky instantly became confused.

"Then why-you know what, nevermind." Ricky held up his hands though when he tried to walk away, she latched onto him even tighter.

"Don't go." Maria whispered which made Ricky smile as he suddenly picked her up.

"Ricky-eep!" Maria squealed as Ricky propelled both of them onto her bed as she held onto him with dear life.

"Then I guess I'll intrude for a bit." Ricky gently whispered as he ran his hand through her curly black hair.

Maria pouted while laying on his chest, puffing out her cheeks like a squirrel while putting her finger on his cheeks.

"Don't. Do. That." Maria tried to be angry but as she messed around with Ricky's cheeks, she started laughing.

"I'm sorry for making you worried." Ricky said in an apologetic tone as Maria laid on his chest with a silent contemplative look.

"Apology accepted, don't do it again." Maria glared, but Ricky just wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close.

She rolled her eyes, but when they settled, Ricky was right there, close enough to touch as their breaths brushed against each other and in that moment, she instinctively closed her eyes.

It was slow, Maria nervousness was palpable but their lips eventually met in a passionate embrace.

Ricky's lips were gentle, slowly slipping his tongue alongside her while gently teased hers, and before they knew it, their breathing quickened.

They were slowly becoming lost in the sensation, unable to break away, their tongues dancing a heated tango.

Wrapped up in each other, Maria followed Ricky's lead, her inexperience matched by his guiding touch and as the passion between them grew, overwhelming their senses.

Ricky's hand traced a path down her back, the touch sending shivers down her spine as his fingers lingered at her waist, the heat between them palpable.

"R-Ricky." Maria broke the kiss with haste as a deep red blush completely occupied her cheeks.

"Yeah?" Ricky showed a promiscuous smile, moving his lips closer without warning as they collided once more.

"Ricky-mmmm." Maria once again tried to break herself away from the gravitational pull that was Ricky's touch, entrancing her with his warmth.

"I-I'm not ready!" Maria suddenly yelled, pushing herself up and off Ricky who paused as Maria bit her lip and looked away with embarrassment.

'Oh gee wize Maria, look what you did-' Maria wanted to cry, seeing Ricky's sudden shock and feeling immensely guilty.

"What do you mean?" Ricky raised an eyebrow, playing dumb as Maria looked back with skepticism.

"You know?" Maria was too embarrassed to say it though Ricky continued to play dumb for his own amusement.

"Maria, are you not ready to kiss or-" Ricky purposely interrupted her words wrong as Maria had thought he was genuinely confused.

"Baby making!" Maria spit out as her face flushed in a complete red as Ricky froze in shock.

*Pffft*

"Baby making!" Ricky reverberated Maria's own words as he started dying of laughter as Maria now looked beat red.

"Y-You!" Maria started hitting Ricky to make him stop but it only made him laugh harder.

"Ok, ok." Ricky grabbed Maria's wrist as her flush face timidly looked down.

"We'll take it slow, how does that sound?" Ricky kissed her forehead making Maria smile warmly as she laid on his chest.

"Good?"

"Good."

The two then proceeded to reveal themselves in each other's company as they silently laid in each other's arms until they fell asleep in each other's arms.

6 hours later.

"Ricky."

"Huh, what?" Ricky looked up, battling his eyes as he looked around to see Maria on top of him.

"You need to leave before morning or my uncle will kill you." Maria whispered as Ricky widened his eyes before looking to the side to see the night completely black.

Almost immediately, Ricky got out of Maria's bed and headed before instantly stopping before taking a couple steps back.

"See you tomorrow." Ricky kissed Maria's cheek which made her give an endearing smile at his cute gesture before crawling out of the window.

Closing it behind him, Ricky trekked down the side of the Profaci family manner before finally touching down on the dirt.

"Did ya have a good time?"

"I really did-" Ricky unconsciously responded before freezing in place, turning around he saw Profaci smoking a cigar while sitting on a lawn chair.

"Ya think I'm an idiot?" Profaci asked Ricky, pointing his cigar at the fool that was Ricky.

"No Uncle." Ricky dryly chuckled, scratching his chin while Profaci shook his head and tapped the cigar over to the side.

"It's a good thing ya got a handsome face cause you ain't the smartest horse on the track." Profaci sighed, taking another puff soon after.

"Did you really think I wouldn't be notified when your car entered the neighborhood, regardless if you parked a block away or not?" Profaci genuinely asked as Ricky thought for a while.

"Yes?" Ricky gave his answer as Profaci scoffed though put on a smile.

*Sigh*

"Lucky's right about you, you've got guts" Profaci complimented, standing up before walking up to him.

"But if you ever make my Princess worry like you did this past week, the only date you'll have is with the fishes." Profaci poked Ricky's chest before walking back towards the house.

"Does that mean I'm in the clear, you know, about sneaking into your house?" Ricky joked as Profaci shook his head.

"Nope." Profaci opened then swiftly closed the door behind him while Ricky shrugged before walking back to his car.

Making his way back to his house, Ricky sneaked into the mansion before collapsing back on his bed.

"Welcome back."

Meanwhile in a random store front in Harlem,

"Elijah, I didn't get my payment~" A voice chimed on the other side of the door of a local black owner hardware shop.

"GO AWAY, THIS IS LUCIANO TERRITORY NOW-"

"PUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

The sounds of mockery were heard as Eijah tried to scare this lunatic off only to receive a booming laughter.

"Oh you stupid little fella, they don't care about you if you don't pay them protection." The voice mocked from the other side of the door.

"Get him."

"Dad?" A small child peeked out from the side, catching Elijah's attention.

With widened eyes, he rushed forward and grabbed his son, quickly ushering him into a nearby cabinet and shutting it close.

Elijah closed his eyes, waiting for something to happen, but there was only silence. Curiosity got the better of him, and he peeked up above the counter.

The peaceful view of his storefront greeted him, making him raise an eyebrow in confusion.

*BOOOOOM*

The door exploded with a deafening crash, sending wooden splinters flying through the air.

Elijah staggered backward, a sharp pain shooting through his back as it collided with the sturdy shelf behind him.

Groaning, he fought to open his eyes against the dim, flickering light of the room and just as he managed to pry them open, the gentle glow of the moon was abruptly snuffed out.

Confused, he blinked rapidly, trying to make sense of the sudden darkness.

As his vision adjusted, shapes began to materialize before him, he saw three figures emerging from the shadows, their forms twisted and unnatural.

They loomed over him, their eyes gleaming with an otherworldly light as Elijah's heart raced as he realized the full horror of the creatures that now stood before him.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

*BAM*

"BUMPY AN ATTACK HAPPENED IN ELIJAH'S SHOP!"

At Madame St. Claire's offices, Bumpy was walking around and adjourning to any tasks that needed his capabilities until the door swung open.

"WHAT?" Bumpy yelled out, immediately rushing out and following the man who led him to the storefront.

Then to his horror, he saw creatures that weren't a part of god's choir stuff his fellow man into big burlap sacks.

"Go get back up!" Bumpy yelled at the man who was currently pissing himself when gazing at the creatures in front of him.

"But I-"

"GO-"

*SPLAT*

Blood splashed onto him as the man who was cowering in horror suddenly had his entire body explode.

It was only a second ago, a mere second, that his body was intact but now he was nothing but a pile of flesh.

Turning back, he saw the creature towering over him with razor sharp teeth morphed into a crazy bloodthirsty smile.

"DIEEEEEE!" Bumpy let out a roar cry, grabbing the pistol at his waist and holding it up to the monster.

*BANG*

*BANG*

*BANG*

*BANG*

*BANG*

Bumpy unloaded his pistol into the monstrous creature but instead of screams of agony, chuckles of glee sounded from this monster.

*GASP*

Bumpy gasped out, his throat suddenly clasped by huge claws as he was slowly raised into the air.

Then to Bumpy's horror, the creature's jaw started to unhook which encompassed his sight to the terrifying amount of jagged teeth until the sun started to rise.

"AYE, WE GOT A QUOTA TO MEET AND THE SUN RISING, WE'LL FEED YOU LATER!" A man shouted behind the creature who stopped, gazing back at the rising sun then looking at Bumpy.

The monster sighed, then wound up Bumpy and threw him into the distance, turning around as if his actions were of no consequence.

Bumpy flew aimlessly through the air, his limbs flailing wildly like a puppet cut loose from its strings.

*CRASH*

He crashed into a car with a jarring impact that sent a brutal hum ringing through the street, the sound of his body colliding with the car's metal frame echoing throughout the neighborhood.

As he crashed into the car, a sickening crunch filled the air, followed by the sound of shattering glass.

Bumpy was smashed against the vehicle, leaving his body in a wretched state as blood started to pour from the glass shards that tore through his back and other parts of his body.

He lay motionless, a grotesque tableau of mangled limbs and contorted features, his life almost extinguished from his eyes.

The sun slowly began to rise on the horizon, casting a stark contrast against the stillness of death that now enveloped Bumpy's broken form.

"Ooooooooooooooooooooooo~"